Home Office

National Police Air Service

Lord Scriven: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they plan to take in response to the National Police Air Service London tweeting a picture of Michael McIntyre from a helicopter surveillance camera team, in the light of the Surveillance Camera Commissioners Code of Practice.

Lord Bates: The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is a police-led, operational initiative. West Yorkshire Police is the lead body on behalf of the national collaboration, accountable to the NPAS Strategic Board.The Surveillance Camera Commissioner is in contact with NPAS to ensure that their use of surveillance camera systems is in line with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice issued by the Home Secretary under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. He will also be meeting the National Police Lead on CCTV to discuss wider issues.NPAS have publicly acknowledged the need to demonstrate that their activities are ethical and carried out in the public interest. An investigation will be carried out by the Professional Standards Department of West Yorkshire Police into the actions of the helicopter crew concerned. This incident should not detract from the vital work of NPAS across the country in fighting crime and keeping communities safe.